US4832902A - Refueling of nuclear reactor - Google Patents

Refueling of nuclear reactor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US4832902A
US4832902A US06/382,269 US38226982A US4832902A US 4832902 A US4832902 A US 4832902A US 38226982 A US38226982 A US 38226982A US 4832902 A US4832902 A US 4832902A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
trolley
bridge
pulses
track
mast
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US06/382,269
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John W. Kaufmann
Kenneth J. Swidwa
Leonard P. Hornak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Westinghouse Electric Co LLC
Original Assignee
Westinghouse Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Westinghouse Electric Corp filed Critical Westinghouse Electric Corp
Assigned to WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: HORNAK, LEONARD P., KAUFMANN, JOHN W., SWIDWA, KENNETH J.
Priority to US06/382,269 priority Critical patent/US4832902A/en
Priority to YU01074/83A priority patent/YU107483A/xx
Priority to DE8383302956T priority patent/DE3370227D1/de
Priority to EP83302956A priority patent/EP0095373B1/en
Priority to IT21237/83A priority patent/IT1203705B/it
Priority to ES522718A priority patent/ES8702063A1/es
Priority to FR8308747A priority patent/FR2527829B1/fr
Priority to JP58091665A priority patent/JPS58214890A/ja
Priority to KR1019830002319A priority patent/KR910003804B1/ko
Priority to US07/234,112 priority patent/US4927595A/en
Priority to US07/234,114 priority patent/US4929413A/en
Publication of US4832902A publication Critical patent/US4832902A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Priority to JP1990044684U priority patent/JPH0317280Y2/ja
Assigned to WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CO. LLC reassignment WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CO. LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CBS CORPORATION (FORMERLY KNOWN AS WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C19/00—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
    • G21C19/02—Details of handling arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C17/00—Overhead travelling cranes comprising one or more substantially horizontal girders the ends of which are directly supported by wheels or rollers running on tracks carried by spaced supports
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the art of nuclear reactor power plants. It has particular relationship to the refueling of the reactors of such plants.
  • the reactor to be refueled is at the base of a pit in a containment filled with water to a depth of 20 or 30 feet.
  • component assemblies of the reactor or from refueling racks are engaged by grippers or grapples of a mast assembly, raised, transported from their position of origin and lowered into the position where they are to be deposited.
  • the component assemblies are highly radioactive and are engaged, raised, transported and lowered under a substantial depth of water.
  • apparatus including a bridge moveable along a track on the containment.
  • a trolley is moveable on a track on the bridge.
  • the trolley carries a mast assembly having a rotatable supporting mast from which the component-assembly engaging-raising-and-lowering means is suspended.
  • This means is sometimes herein referred to as "component-assembly handling mechanism” or “assembly-handling mechanism” or simply “mechanism”.
  • the tracks on the bridge and containment define a coordinate system whose coordinates serve to determine the positions of the mechanisms on the mast assembly.
  • the tracks in Swidwa, and predominantly in prior art apparatus are linear and at right angles to each other defining a Cartesian coordinate system. With the tracks of other configurations, other coordinate systems may define the positions of these mechanisms. For example, if the bridge moves in a circular track on the containment and the trolley moves on a radial track, the coordinate system would be a polar coordinate system.
  • the coordinates of the positions of the bridge and trolley along the tracks are magnitudes which indicate the positions of the engaging-raising-and-lowering means over the pit.
  • the mechanisms are raised or lowered by a hoist which is typically a winch.
  • the positions of the mast assembly along the tracks are derived from selsyn-type indicators.
  • the readings of the indicators for different positions of the mechanisms of the mast assembly are compared with marks along the containment walls.
  • the marks are coordinated with the indications of the selsyns by a calibration process. Impairment of the calibration was experienced and when this occurred, recalibration was a difficult and time consuming experience.
  • the height of the mechanisms on the mast assembly was determined from marks on a tape along the assembly. Recalibration in this case was also difficult and time consuming.
  • index marks were also provided on the trolley and bridge to locate the component assemblies to be moved in the reactor core.
  • the index marks served to position the mast assembly over the theoretical location of a component assembly. If the assembly is out of position, difficult visual determinations were required to make the necessary adjustments. This operation was time consuming and required the utmost caution to preclude damage to the component assemblies.
  • An object of this invention is to provide refueling apparatus for a reactor having facilities, whose calibration shall be maintained throughout a refueling operation, for reliably and precisely identifying the position of the mast assembly with reference to the reactor core.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide refueling apparatus including position-visual facilities for aligning the mast assembly with the component assembly to be transported for identifying and recording the location of component assemblies to be transferred and, if desirable, to provide a permanent record of the refueling and core-mapping operation.
  • the trolley is provided with a pulse generator which produces pulses as the trolley moves along the track on the bridge.
  • the pulses are entered as counts in a computer.
  • Each pulse enters in the computer a positive count for each increment of movement of the trolley in a forward direction away from a reference point on the track and a negative count for each increment of the movement of the trolley in a backward direction towards the reference point.
  • the bridge is provided with a pulse generator which produces pulses resulting in a positive count in the computer for each increment of the forward movement of the bridge on the track on the containment walls from a reference point and a negative count for each increment of backward movement.
  • the drive for the hoist also has a pulse generator which produces pulses resulting in a positive count in the computer for each increment of forward, typically downward, movement of the component-assembly-handling mechanism from a reference point and a negative count for each increment of backward, typically upward, movement of this assembly-handling mechanism from the reference point.
  • the computer contains digital entries which identify these positions.
  • the apparatus may be calibrated so that each set of counts defines the position of the trolley, bridge and component-assembly handling mechanism relative to a known predetermined component assembly in the core.
  • a limit switch is actuated by each, the trolley, bridge and handling mechanism at a predetermined position along its path.
  • the switch may be carried by the vehicle and may be actuated by a cam along its path or it may be provided at the position along the path and actuated by a cam on the vehicle.
  • the actuation by the trolley and bridge takes place at a convenient position along their tracks.
  • the limit switch is typically actuated at the maximum height of this assembly.
  • each limit switch is entered in the computer together with the count at the position where each limit switch is actuated.
  • the memory of the computer carries intelligence of the counts that should be entered for the actuation of the limit switches if the calibration is maintained.
  • the memory is programmed to recalibrate the coordinate system if there is a disparity between a count entered in the memory and a count entered on actuation of a limit switch.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of apparatus in accordance with this invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a view in end elevation in the direction of the arrows II--II of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation in the direction of the arrows III--III of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3A is a fragmental view in section taken along line IIIA--IIIA of FIG. 2 showing the manner in which the channels which form a truck of the bridge supports the I-beams of the bridge;
  • FIG. 3B is a view in side elevation showing the manner in which the I-beam of the bridge supports the motor which drives the driven wheels;
  • FIG. 3C is a plan view enlarged, turned 90° with reference to FIG. 1, of the trolley, with parts broken away, to show with the control console and mast assembly removed;
  • FIG. 3D is a fragmental plan view of the trolley the drive for the trolley;
  • FIG. 4 is a copy of a photograph showing the pulse generator, which produces pulses to measure the position of the bridge along its track, and the manner in which the pulse generator is driven;
  • FIG. 5 is a copy of a photograph similar to FIG. 4 showing the pulse generator for the trolley and the manner in which the pulse generator is driven;
  • FIG. 5A is a copy of a photograph showing the cable tray between the bridge and trolley;
  • FIG. 6 is a copy of a photograph showing the pulse generator, which produces pulses which measures the position of the component-assembly handling mechanisms, and the manner in which the pulse generator is driven;
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of the track assembly for the bridge
  • FIG. 8 is a view in transverse section taken along line VIII--VIII of FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmental view in transverse section taken along line IX--IX of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmental view in transverse section taken along line X--X of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 11 is a fragmental view in the direction XI--XI of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 12 is a fragmental view enlarged of the portion of FIG. 2 in circle XII;
  • FIG. 13 is a fragmental view in transverse section taken along XIII--XIII of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmental view enlarged of the portion of FIG. 1 in circle XIV of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 15 is a fragmental view in longitudinal section taken along line XV--XV of FIG. 14;
  • FIG. 16 is a view in side elevation with parts broken away and parts sectioned of the upper part of the mast assembly of apparatus in accordance with this invention showing the limit switch, which checks the calibration of the coordinate involved in raising and lowering the component-assembly handling mechanism, and the components of the mast which cooperate with the switch;
  • FIG. 16A is a partial fragmental view in section taken along line XVIA--XVIA of FIG. 16;
  • FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the manner in which the coordinate system of the apparatus in accordance with this invention is recalibrated
  • FIG. 18 is a schematic of the pressure fluid systems for operating the pistons which control the component-assembly handling mechanism of this invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic of the electrical system of the component-assembly handling mechanism of this invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a copy of a photograph showing the manner in which the conductors on the component-assembly handling mechanisms are mechanically related to these mechanisms;
  • FIG. 21 is a view in isometric, generally diagrammatic, of the fluid and electric conductor reels as seen from the rear of the apparatus with reference to FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 22 is a copy of a photograph of the apparatus according to this invention showing predominantly the cable tray and its content
  • FIG. 23 is a copy of a photograph showing the manner in which the fluid and electric conductors enter the cable tray at the end where the cable tray is connected to the supporting mast and ;
  • FIG. 24 is a copy of a photograph showing predominantly the junction box on the trolley through which the electrical conductors are connected to the facilities on the trolley, including the control console;
  • the apparatus 50 (FIGS. 1,2) for refueling a nuclear reactor shown in the drawings serves to engage selected component assemblies of a nuclear reactor 51 (FIG. 3), raise these components, transport them and lower them into a selected position.
  • the general operation of this apparatus 50 and the purposes which it serves is disclosed in Swidwa.
  • the reactor 51 is disposed in a pit under water 53, (FIG. 2) 20 or 30 feet in depth in a containment defined by massive walls 55.
  • the apparatus 50 includes a bridge 57, a trolley 59 and a mast assembly 61 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3C, 3D, 16, 27A).
  • the bridge is moveable on rails or tracks 62 and 63 (FIGS. 1, 7, 8, 9, 12). These tracks are similar except that track 63 has a position verification cam 64 (FIGS. 7, 8,9).
  • the tracks 62 and 63 are supported on base plates 74 in slots on the tops of opposite walls 55 (FIG. 8). Normally the slots are filled with grout (not shown).
  • each track is held down by rail clips 66 which engages a flange 72 along one side. Lateral movement is suppressed by a keeper 68 (FIG. 8) along the opposite side.
  • Indicator strip 70 extend along one side of track 63. The indications from the strips 70 are picked up by a television camera (not shown) on the bridge.
  • the bridge 57 includes trucks 65 and 67 (FIGS. 2, 3A, 9). Each truck has a driven wheel 69 and an idler wheel 71 on shafts extending between back-to-back channels 73 and 75. I-beams 77 and 79 interconnect the trucks 65 and 67. I-beam 77 is adjacent the driven wheels 69. The channels 73 and 75 extend through cut-outs 102 in each beam 77 and 79. Plates 104 welded to the webs of the I-beam are bolted to the upper flanges of the channel. FIG. 3A shows this structure for I-beam 77 which is adjacent the driven wheels 69.
  • the wheels 69 are driven by motor 100 through speed reducer 106 (FIG. 3B).
  • the motor 100 and speed reducer 106 are mounted on a bracket 108 welded to the web of I-beam 77 and supported on small I-beams 110 welded to I-beam 77.
  • the motor 100 drives shaft 81 (FIGS. 1, 3B) whose sections are connected through couplings 83 and 85 to pinions 110A. Each pinion engages a gear 112 (FIG. 1) on driven wheel 69. Wheels 69 are rotatable on sleeve bearings (not shown) on their shafts. Wheels 71 are secured to their shafts 98. The shafts 98 are rotatable on bearing cartridges 80 (FIGS. 4, 12) which are journaled in the channels 73 and 75.
  • One idler wheel 71 drives a pulse generator or pulser 76 (FIG. 4) which produces pulses that measure the movement of the bridge 57 from a reference position.
  • a pulley wheel 78 is keyed to the shaft 98 with which one of the wheels 71 is rotatable on bearing 80.
  • Pulley wheel 78 drives a second pulley wheel 82 of very much smaller diameter than pulley 78 through a timing belt 84.
  • the pulser 76 produces pulses at a far higher rate than the rate of rotation of the wheel 71.
  • the position of mast assembly 61 along tracks 63 and 65 is measured by the number of pulses produced by the pulser 76 as the mast assembly moves from the reference position to the position in question.
  • a verification limit switch 86 is supported on a bracket 88 suspended from channel 75 (FIGS. 8, 9). The limit switch 86 is actuable by the position verification cam 64 when the bridge 57 passes over the cam. Initially the apparatus is calibrated so that the position of the cam 64 corresponds to the number of pulses produced by pulser 76 as the bridge moves from the reference position to the position of the cam.
  • a control console 90 (FIG. 2) is mounted on the trolley deck 92.
  • the console includes a computer 94 (FIG. 17) with a memory.
  • the pulser 76 is connected to the computer through conductor 96 (FIGS. 4, 17).
  • the count of the train of pulses from the reference position to any position of the bridge 57 is entered in the computer.
  • the computer receives intelligence of the direction of movement of the bridge and it is programmed to add to the number of pulses if the direction is forward from the reference position and to subtract from the number of pulses if the direction is backward.
  • the intelligence of actuation of limit switch 86 is also entered in the computer 94 through conductor 102A (FIGS. 9, 17).
  • the calibrated count corresponding to the actuation of switch 86 is also entered in the computer.
  • the computer is programmed to correct the calibration if the actual count deviates from the calibrated count.
  • a frame-like super structure 87 (FIG. 2) is bolted to the trucks 65 and 67 of the bridge spanning the trucks.
  • the super structure 87 has an overhang 89 (FIG. 2) at the top which carries a hoist 91 for tools.
  • the hoist 91 may be moved between the opposite walls 55 of the pit by a chain 93 (FIG. 3).
  • the hoist be operated by a pushbutton switch 95 suspended from the hoist.
  • Power is supplied to the hoist 91 by power track 95A (FIG. 1). Some of the tools which are used with hoist 91 are operated by compressed air.
  • the bridge 57 is provided with a walkway 97 (FIG. 1) on one side.
  • a safety fence 99 to protect personnel from the trolley wheels extends along the walkway on the side of the pit. Handrails 101 extending frome the trolley permit personnel to step safely from the trolley 59 to the walkway.
  • While the fluid for driving the fluid operable means may be of any type, the fluid typically used in the practice of this invention is compressed air.
  • An assembly including a compressor 103 and a tank 112A and associated switch means and relief valves (FIG. 2, see also (FIG. 17)) is mounted on truck 65 of the bridge 57 to supply the compressed air. Air may be selectively supplied to the tools on hoist 91 through air hose 107 and by air hose 109 (FIG. 5A) to the trolley 59 for the air-operated devices on the mast 61.
  • the apparatus 50 is supplied with power from a power outlet (not shown) on the containment through a conductor 111 (FIG. 4). Between the outlet and the bridge 57 the power line includes a plurality of festoon loops (not shown).
  • the trolley 59 is moveable on tracks or rails 121 and 123 (FIG. 3D) on I-beams 77 and 79. Like the bridge 57 the trolley 59 is moveable along tracks 121 and 123 on trucks 125 and 127 (FIG. 3D). Each truck has a driving wheel 129 (FIG. 3D) and an idling wheel 131 (FIGS. 10, 11). Each pair of wheels is suspended from back-to-back channels 133 and 135. Each driven wheels 129 is rotatable on sleeve bushings on a shaft supported between a pair of channels 133 or 135, 133 on the outside and 135 on the inside. The channel units 133-135 are strengthened by gussets 162 (FIG. 2).
  • the supporting structures of the trolley 59 is a frame 114 formed of additional channels 116, I-beams 118 and plates 120 (FIG. 3C) welded to the channels 133 or 135 of the trucks 125 and 127.
  • a long plate or platform 122 (FIG. 3D) is welded to the lower ends of the channels 133, 135, and 116 along the side 162A of the trolley 59 where the driving wheels 129 are suspended.
  • This plate 122 carries the drive for the wheels 129 including a transformer 124, a motor 126 and speed reducer 128.
  • the drive shaft 130 formed of sections connected by couplers 134 extends from the speed reducer 128.
  • the drive shaft 130 is connected to pinions 136 which drive gears 138 connected to the wheels 129.
  • the motor 126 is controlled from the computer 94 (FIG. 17) and feeds back its direction of rotation to the computer through line 164.
  • the frame 114 is covered by doors 142 (FIGS. 3C, 3D) and plates 144 which form the deck 92.
  • the deck is provided with a grating 146 through which the pit under the trolley 59 may be viewed.
  • the deck also has pads 148 (FIG. 3C) for supporting the mast assembly 61. Doors 170 are interposed between the pads 148.
  • There is an electrical junction box 154 (FIG. 24) under the trolley which is accessible through a hole in the deck 92 by removing grating 146.
  • Each idling wheel 131 is rotatable with a shaft 137 on bearing cartridges 139 supported by a channel 133 or 135.
  • a toothed pulley wheel 141 (FIG. 5) is keyed to the shaft 137 of one of the idling wheels 131.
  • This pulley wheel 141 drives a pulse generator or pulser 143 through a pulley wheel 145 of much smaller diameter through a timing belt 147.
  • the pulser 143 is connected to computer 94 through conductor 151 (FIG. 17).
  • a verification cam 153 (FIG. 10) is mounted at a predetermined position along track 123.
  • a verification limit switch 155 is mounted on a bracket 157 suspended from the channel section 133. The limit switch 155 is positioned to be actuable by the cam 153 when the trolley passes over the position of the cam. The actuation of the limit switch 155 is entered in computer 94 (FIG. 17) through line 159.
  • the cooperation of the pulser 143, the limit switch 155 and the computer 94 is similar to the cooperation in the case of the like components of the bridge 57.
  • the number of pulses in a pulse train produced by pulser 143 as the trolley moves from a reference position to a given position along the tracks 121 and 123 measures the displacement of the given position from the reference position.
  • the counts of pulses by the computer 94 is positive when the trolley 59 moves forward, away from the reference position, and negative when the trolley moves backward, towards the reference position. There is a one-to-one relationship between the count of positive pulses and each position of the trolley 59.
  • the apparatus is calibrated so that the position of cam 153 on track 123 corresponds to a predetermined number of pulses which are entered in computer 94. If the calibration is impaired, there is a deviation between the number of pulses counted by the computer between the reference position and actuation of switch 155 and the entered calibration count.
  • the computer is programmed to make a correction.
  • a handrail 171 extends around the trolley deck 92. Adjacent the track 121 along the I-beam 77 there is an indicator strip 173 (FIG. 1, 13). This strip carries indications of positions along the pit in the direction of track 121. The indications on strip 173 are picked up by a television camera 175 (FIG. 13) suspended from a bracket 177A secured to the trolley 59. By viewing the screen of the viewer tube (not shown) on the control console 90, which is connected to camera 175, the operator can determine at first hand the approximate position of the trolley along the pit.
  • a cable tray 177 (FIGS. 5A) is connected at one end to a plate 179 suspended from I-beam 77 and at the other end to the underside of trolley 59 (deck 92).
  • the slot of the cable tray 177, which carries the cables is horizontal.
  • the cable tray carries the compressed-air hose 109, the power conductor 111, (FIG. 4), the conductor 102A from the verification switch 86 (FIG. 9) on the bridge 57, the conductor 96 from the pulser 76 (FIG. 4) on the non-driven wheel 71, and the conductor 175A from the 175 television camera.
  • the cable tray 177 permits the bridge 57 and trolley 59 to travel relative to each other without disturbing the cables on the trolley side.
  • the conductors on cable tray 177 are connected to the junction box 154 (FIG. 24) under the trolley and thence are connected to the console 90.
  • the hose 109 is connected to the hose 181 on the mast assembly 61 through pressure regulator 183 (FIGS. 21).
  • Conductors powered by line 111 also are connected from the junction box 154 to facilities on the mast assembly.
  • the mast assembly 61 is described in Swidwa. For any information in addition to that presented here that may be of interest, reference is made to Swidwa.
  • the mast assembly 61 includes a supporting mast 201 (FIGS. 2, 3, 16, 22) of circular, transverse cross-section.
  • the supporting mast 201 has windows 203 (FIGS. 2, 3, 16) through which the operation of the parts within the mast 201 may be observed.
  • the supporting mast 201 is secured to ring 205 (FIG. 16) from which a long guiding mast 207 of circular transverse extends.
  • the apparatus also includes an auxiliary mast or bearing mast 20 (FIGS. 2, 3, 16, 22). Brackets 211 extend from the auxiliary mast 209 near its lower end. These brackets engage the bracket pads 148 (FIG. 3C) on the deck 92 of the trolley 59.
  • the auxiliary mast 209 has a flange 213 (FIGS.
  • the ring 205 has a seat for the bearings 215, supporting mast 201 and the ring 205 and guiding mast 207 and other parts supported from the supporting mast are rotatable on the bearings 215.
  • the supporting mast 201 has a rectangular flange 217 at the top. There are supported directly on this flange 217 a platform 218 (FIGS. 2, 16), on which a winch 219 (FIGS. 2, 16) is mounted, and an electric conductor reel 221 (FIG. 23) and an air-hose reel 222 (FIGS. 16, 21). An additional reel 223 for electric conductors and an additional air-hose reel 225 is supported from a platform 227 mounted on legs 229 on flange 217 (FIGS. 16, 23). An elongated member 231 (FIG.
  • the elongated member 231 includes a tube 233 (FIG. 16) to the upper end of which a plate 237 is secured.
  • the plate 237 is formed into a rigid mechanical unit with an upper-plate assembly 239 by four support rods 241.
  • the rods 241 engage plate 237, and are secured by nuts to the plate 243 of the upper-plate assembly.
  • the flange 245 (FIG.
  • a yoke 247 engages the plate 243 and carries a cylinder 249, typically an air cylinder.
  • the flange 245, plate 243 and cylinder 249 are connected together as a rigid unit.
  • the piston rod 251 of cylinder 249 actuates a rod 253 to move upwardly or downwardly in the tube 233.
  • the rod 253 causes the grapple (not shown) to engage the control rod assembly or thimble-plug assembly which is to be raised.
  • the grapple In the up position of the rod 253, the grapple may be disengaged from the component assembly.
  • Limit switches 254 and 256 (FIG. 18) are provided for signaling that the piston rod 251 is at its extreme positions.
  • the yoke 247 is pivotally connected to the lower junctions of swivels 255.
  • the upper junction of each swivel 255 is pivotally connected to a clevis 257.
  • Each clevis 257 is suspended from a threaded member 259 at the end of a cable 261 from the winch 219.
  • the winch 219 is provided with a pulse generator 263 (FIG. 6) which is actuable by a toothed member (not shown) driven by the winch motor 265 (FIGS. 1, 2) synchronously with the winch.
  • the pulser 263 operates analogously to the pulsers 76 (FIG. 4) and 143 (FIG. 5) to produce trains of pulses whose number measures the height of the elongated member 231 (FIG. 16).
  • the numbers of pulses are entered in the computer 94 through line 267 (FIGS. 6, 17).
  • the winch motor 265 is controlled from the computer 94 and enters its direction of rotation in the computer through line 269.
  • the numbers of pulses are entered in a positive sense when the elongated member 231 moves downwardly and in a negative sense when the mast moves upwardly so that there is a one-to-one relationship between the position of the member 231 and the net number of pulses entered in the computer 94.
  • the apparatus may be calibrated so that the position of the elongated member for each number of pulses is known.
  • a calibrated verification limit switch 271 is suspended from a bracket 272 of the supporting mast 201, (FIGS. 16, 16A). The switch 271 is actuable by a bar 273 on the switch which is in turn actuated by the plate 243 of the upper plate assembly 239 when the bar 273 is at the level of switch 271.
  • the actuation of switch 271 is entered in the computer 94 through line 275 (FIG. 17).
  • the computer is programmed to check if the indicated position of the limit switch 271 corresponds to the calibration of the elongated member position and to correct the calibration if there is a deviation.
  • the mast assembly also includes an inner mast or gripper mast 281 (FIG. 16).
  • This mast 281 is of generally rectangular cross section composed of oppositely disposed channels formed into a rigid unit by cross snow-flake plates (FIG. 34), as shown in detail in Swidwa.
  • the inner mast carries a gripper 285 (FIG. 3) for engaging a fuel assembly (not shown).
  • the supporting mast 201 may be locked in an initial position by a locking screw 311 (FIGS. 14, 15) operated by knob 313.
  • the screw 311 and knob 313 are suspended from bracket 315 secured to the mast 201.
  • the knob 313 When the knob 313 is turned the screw tip 317 penetrates into a hole in the flange 213 of the auxiliary mast 209.
  • the plunger 318 of a limit switch 319 In the initial position of the supporting mast 201, the plunger 318 of a limit switch 319, supported from a bracket 321 in mast 201, is held in a predetermined setting by a cam 323 in the flange 213.
  • this switch 319 is actuated.
  • FIG. 19 The heavy black lines in FIG. 19 each represents a cable or harness including a number of wires.
  • the following cables are connected to parts which are moveable up or down with the elongated member 231 or the inner mast 281:
  • These cables 331 through 341 are connected to the input terminals of junction box 343 (FIGS. 19) which is mounted on the plate 287 of the inner mast 281.
  • the output cable or harness 345 from box 343, which includes conductors carrying the current of all input conductors is wound on cable reel 223 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 16, 21, 22).
  • the conductors are connected through a slip ring system 344 (FIG. 1) to cable section 346 (FIG. 19).
  • Cable section 346 passes through an additional cable tray 347 (FIGS. 1, 21, 22, 23) to junction box 349.
  • Cable section 351 from the junction box 349 passes through wire way 353 to the junction box 154 (FIG.
  • the cable from limit switches 254 and 256 (FIG. 18) for the cylinder 249 which controls the movement of the elongated mast 231 is wound on reel 221 (FIG. 23).
  • the cable from the slip ring (not shown) of this reel 221 and the conductors from the following components are passed through a Y wireway 371, (FIG. 27B) whence they pass through cable tray 347 in conduits 377 (FIGS. 22, 23).
  • the pulser 263 (FIG. 6) measuring the height of the elongated member 231.
  • the limit switch 271 (FIGS. 16, 16A) which verifies the calibration of the height of the elongated member:
  • the winch motor 265 (FIGS. 1, 2);
  • the pressure switches 375 (FIG. 18) on the compressed air line 109;
  • Limit switch 319 (FIGS. 14, 15) signalling displacement of supporting mast 201 from its initial position.
  • conduits 377 (FIGS. 22, 23) connected to the Y wire way 371.
  • the conduits pass through the cable tray 347 (FIG. 22) to the junction box (FIG. 22) where they are connected to conductors which pass through wire way 353 and to junction box (not shown) under deck 92.
  • junction box 154 the conductors are appropriately connected to the console 90.
  • the conductors from the pulsers 76 (FIG. 4) on the bridge 57 and 143 (FIG. 5) on the trolley 59 are connected directly to the junction box 154 and thence to the control console 90.
  • the verification limit switches 86 (FIG. 9) operated by the bridge and 155 (FIG. 10) operated by the trolley are likewise connected to the control console through junction box 154.
  • the compressed air is distributed to the cylinders 249, 291, 299 through a manifold 381 (FIGS. 18, 25, 31).
  • the hose 181 is connected to the input 383 of the manifold.
  • the outputs of the manifold are delivered through valves 385 (FIGS. 18, 31), each of which is actuable by a solenoid 373.
  • the valves 385 remain in the last position to which they are actuated. If solenoid A (FIG. 18) is last actuated, the flow is as shown in FIG. 18 into the upper terminal of a cylinder and out at the lower terminal as represented by arrows 387 and 389.
  • solenoid B is last actuated, the flow is into the lower terminal and out of the upper terminal as represented by the arrows 391 and 393.
  • Four of the output hoses 395 (FIG. 31) are connected to inputs 397 of the upper hose reel 225.
  • Two of the output hoses 398 are connected to the inputs 399 (FIG. 23) of the lower reel 222.
  • the hoses 401 extending from the peripheral output of reel 225 supply compressed air selectively to the cylinder 299 for operating the grippers and to the cylinder 291 for operating the yoke 289 on the inner mast 281 (FIGS. 16, 18).
  • the two peripheral hoses 403 from reel 222 supply compressed air selectively to operate the cylinder 249 for moving the rod 253 in tube 233 (FIGS. 16, 23).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Control And Safety Of Cranes (AREA)
  • Carriers, Traveling Bodies, And Overhead Traveling Cranes (AREA)
  • Monitoring And Testing Of Nuclear Reactors (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
US06/382,269 1982-05-26 1982-05-26 Refueling of nuclear reactor Expired - Lifetime US4832902A (en)

Priority Applications (12)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/382,269 US4832902A (en) 1982-05-26 1982-05-26 Refueling of nuclear reactor
YU01074/83A YU107483A (en) 1982-05-26 1983-05-13 Device for fuel renewal for nuclear plants
DE8383302956T DE3370227D1 (en) 1982-05-26 1983-05-23 Refueling of nuclear reactor
EP83302956A EP0095373B1 (en) 1982-05-26 1983-05-23 Refueling of nuclear reactor
IT21237/83A IT1203705B (it) 1982-05-26 1983-05-24 Ricarica di reattore nucleare
ES522718A ES8702063A1 (es) 1982-05-26 1983-05-25 Aparato para recargar con combustible un reactor nuclear.
FR8308747A FR2527829B1 (fr) 1982-05-26 1983-05-26 Appareil pour renouveler le combustible d'un reacteur nucleaire
JP58091665A JPS58214890A (ja) 1982-05-26 1983-05-26 原子炉の燃料交換装置
KR1019830002319A KR910003804B1 (ko) 1982-05-26 1983-05-26 원자로의 연료 교체기
US07/234,112 US4927595A (en) 1982-05-26 1988-08-19 Refueling of nuclear reactor
US07/234,114 US4929413A (en) 1982-05-26 1988-08-19 Television alignment of mast assembly in refueling of nuclear reactor
JP1990044684U JPH0317280Y2 (ja) 1982-05-26 1990-04-27

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/382,269 US4832902A (en) 1982-05-26 1982-05-26 Refueling of nuclear reactor

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/234,114 Division US4929413A (en) 1982-05-26 1988-08-19 Television alignment of mast assembly in refueling of nuclear reactor
US07/234,112 Division US4927595A (en) 1982-05-26 1988-08-19 Refueling of nuclear reactor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4832902A true US4832902A (en) 1989-05-23

Family

ID=23508218

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US06/382,269 Expired - Lifetime US4832902A (en) 1982-05-26 1982-05-26 Refueling of nuclear reactor

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US4832902A (ja)
EP (1) EP0095373B1 (ja)
JP (2) JPS58214890A (ja)
KR (1) KR910003804B1 (ja)
DE (1) DE3370227D1 (ja)
ES (1) ES8702063A1 (ja)
FR (1) FR2527829B1 (ja)
IT (1) IT1203705B (ja)
YU (1) YU107483A (ja)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4927595A (en) * 1982-05-26 1990-05-22 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Refueling of nuclear reactor
US5490185A (en) * 1993-07-23 1996-02-06 Westinghouse Electric Corporation System for automatic refueling of a nuclear reactor
US5687207A (en) * 1996-04-02 1997-11-11 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Refueling machine
US6404836B1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2002-06-11 Westinghouse Electric Company Llc Removable spent fuel handling machine rail
US7026598B1 (en) 2002-02-20 2006-04-11 Clyde Bergemann, Inc. Vector-based targeting control for a water cannon
US20090245451A1 (en) * 2008-03-28 2009-10-01 Westinghouse Electric Company, Llc Mobile rigging structure
US20100119028A1 (en) * 2008-10-08 2010-05-13 Areva Np Inc Nuclear reactor steam dryer manipulator
RU2534834C1 (ru) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-10 Открытое акционерное общество "Всероссийский научно-исследовательский и проектно-конструкторский институт атомного энергетического машиностроения" (ОАО "ВНИИАМ") Опорная конструкция перегрузочной машины ядерного реактора
EP2810746A1 (de) * 2013-06-03 2014-12-10 Westinghouse Electric Germany GmbH Kernanlagenmanipulatorsystem
US20150251880A1 (en) * 2014-03-10 2015-09-10 Falcon Machine Tools Co., Ltd. Overhead Travelling Crane System

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0533977A1 (en) * 1991-09-26 1993-03-31 INTERSER GROUP S.r.l. Overhead traveling device for carrying out pipelining and large mantainance works in industrial buildings
FR2743444B1 (fr) * 1995-10-13 1998-05-22 Systel Electronique Procede de visualisation et d'identification sous l'eau d'assemblage de combustible nucleaire et installations le mettant en oeuvre
KR100867031B1 (ko) * 2007-04-02 2008-11-04 한국원자력연구원 핵연료 재장전기 그래플
KR101676457B1 (ko) * 2016-06-23 2016-11-15 주식회사 효성씨앤피 방사성 폐기물 처리장
GB2605428B (en) * 2021-03-31 2023-07-05 Alumatiq As Positioning system for a lifting apparatus and method of use

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3893090A (en) * 1973-01-03 1975-07-01 Westinghouse Electric Corp Position indication system
US4311557A (en) * 1979-10-12 1982-01-19 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Refueling machine for a nuclear reactor

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1173761B (de) * 1961-09-19 1964-07-09 Siemens Ag Kabelbruecke fuer in verseuchten Raeumen horizontal verfahrbare Maschinen
GB1074282A (en) * 1963-03-12 1967-07-05 Fairey Engjneering Ltd Improvements relating to charging machines for nuclear reactors
FR1584760A (ja) * 1968-06-05 1970-01-02
DE2408261A1 (de) * 1974-02-21 1975-09-11 Krupp Gmbh Einrichtung zum umsetzen von brennelementen und regelstaeben in einem kernreaktor
JPS5821238B2 (ja) * 1976-05-10 1983-04-27 株式会社日立製作所 原子炉燃料交換装置の制御装置
JPS5430389A (en) * 1977-08-10 1979-03-06 Hitachi Ltd Position detecting method of transfering body

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3893090A (en) * 1973-01-03 1975-07-01 Westinghouse Electric Corp Position indication system
US4311557A (en) * 1979-10-12 1982-01-19 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Refueling machine for a nuclear reactor

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4927595A (en) * 1982-05-26 1990-05-22 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Refueling of nuclear reactor
US5490185A (en) * 1993-07-23 1996-02-06 Westinghouse Electric Corporation System for automatic refueling of a nuclear reactor
US5687207A (en) * 1996-04-02 1997-11-11 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Refueling machine
US6404836B1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2002-06-11 Westinghouse Electric Company Llc Removable spent fuel handling machine rail
US7026598B1 (en) 2002-02-20 2006-04-11 Clyde Bergemann, Inc. Vector-based targeting control for a water cannon
US20090245451A1 (en) * 2008-03-28 2009-10-01 Westinghouse Electric Company, Llc Mobile rigging structure
US20100119028A1 (en) * 2008-10-08 2010-05-13 Areva Np Inc Nuclear reactor steam dryer manipulator
RU2534834C1 (ru) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-10 Открытое акционерное общество "Всероссийский научно-исследовательский и проектно-конструкторский институт атомного энергетического машиностроения" (ОАО "ВНИИАМ") Опорная конструкция перегрузочной машины ядерного реактора
EP2810746A1 (de) * 2013-06-03 2014-12-10 Westinghouse Electric Germany GmbH Kernanlagenmanipulatorsystem
US9793017B2 (en) 2013-06-03 2017-10-17 Westinghouse Electric Germany Gmbh Nuclear plant manipulator system
US20150251880A1 (en) * 2014-03-10 2015-09-10 Falcon Machine Tools Co., Ltd. Overhead Travelling Crane System
US9199827B2 (en) * 2014-03-10 2015-12-01 Falcon Machine Tools Co., Ltd. Overhead travelling crane system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES522718A0 (es) 1986-12-01
EP0095373A1 (en) 1983-11-30
KR840004606A (ko) 1984-10-22
FR2527829B1 (fr) 1986-04-18
IT1203705B (it) 1989-02-15
JPH0317280Y2 (ja) 1991-04-11
JPH02144799U (ja) 1990-12-07
IT8321237A0 (it) 1983-05-24
JPS58214890A (ja) 1983-12-14
YU107483A (en) 1990-12-31
FR2527829A1 (fr) 1983-12-02
ES8702063A1 (es) 1986-12-01
EP0095373B1 (en) 1987-03-11
KR910003804B1 (ko) 1991-06-12
DE3370227D1 (en) 1987-04-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4832902A (en) Refueling of nuclear reactor
DE3228818C2 (de) Verfahren zur Untersuchung von Leitungsrohren und Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
EP0710394B1 (en) System for automatic refueling of a nuclear reactor
US4151983A (en) Crane grab apparatus
JPS58196497A (ja) 核設備の大容積セル内で遠隔操作されるマニピユレ−タのための保持装置
CN108238460B (zh) 光缆自动装车系统和方法
CN114334288B (zh) 大型铠装Nb3Sn超导线圈匝间绝缘自动包绕系统
US4929413A (en) Television alignment of mast assembly in refueling of nuclear reactor
CN104140019B (zh) 电梯轿厢位置的控制装置及方法
CN105173935B (zh) 电梯平层位置的控制装置及方法
AU2020261974A1 (en) Apparatus and method for the maintenance of an overhead line system of a track
USH1262H (en) Rod examination gauge
EP0189621A1 (en) Rail-borne apparatus for measuring and recording the parameters of the roadway track or of the carrier vehicle, the position of trolley wires and the roadway clearance, and for correcting the position of the track
US3410320A (en) Measuring and filling apparatus
CN107830920A (zh) 一种地坑式整车称重调簧架车装置及其应用方法
CN207472407U (zh) 一种地坑式整车称重调簧架车装置
DE4119253A1 (de) Aufzugssteuervorrichtung
JPH0868622A (ja) 煙突筒身検査システム
JP2709448B2 (ja) 浮屋根式タンクの側板厚さの測定設備
CN102590847B (zh) 专用于热室的γ扫描测量系统及其安装方法
US4927595A (en) Refueling of nuclear reactor
CN214828496U (zh) 水压试验系统自动吊放定位装置
RU162779U1 (ru) Кран - манипулятор электромеханический
CN111799002A (zh) 一种顶盖视频检查装置
CN210741457U (zh) 一种构件底面标高测量设备

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION; WESTINGHOUSE BU

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:KAUFMANN, JOHN W.;SWIDWA, KENNETH J.;HORNAK, LEONARD P.;REEL/FRAME:004015/0519

Effective date: 19820519

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

AS Assignment

Owner name: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CO. LLC, PENNSYLVANIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CBS CORPORATION (FORMERLY KNOWN AS WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:010070/0819

Effective date: 19990322

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12